Dynamo expand youth development

The Houston Dynamo are taking the next step in youth
development, with the formation of competitive teams at the U-13, U-14, and
U-15 levels. The teams will compete in the U.S. Club Soccer Texas Pre-Academy
League, which is the latest addition to U.S. Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues.
Eight teams comprise the Texas division, including Houston-area clubs Texas Rush
and Texans SC, and MLS club FC Dallas.

The Dynamo Youth Development System, presented by Statoil, currently fields U-16 and U-18 teams in the USSF
Development Academy League. Last season, the U-18 squad advanced to the USSF Development Academy playoffs but fell one point short of advancing to Finals Week.

“This is an opportunity for us to have a bigger impact on
our younger players,” Dynamo Director of Youth Development James Clarkson said.
“The majority of the players will come from our Jr. Academy, who we currently only get to
see once or twice a week. This way, the players will have a full training
schedule with competitive games on weekends."

Each team in the league will play
a total of 14 regular-season games, including home and away matches against the
other clubs. The team with the most points at the end of the season will
advance to the National Premier Leagues Champions Cup in July 2012.

“We are offering these younger
players a unique experience,” Clarkson said. “Our Academy gives players access
to unique learning opportunities and provides them a clear path to the Dynamo
first team.”

Since its inception in 2007, the
Dynamo have signed four players directly from their Academy program. Tryouts for the new teams
will be held on May 10, May 17, and May 24, from 7-9 p.m. at the Houston Amateur Sports Park. Tryouts are free of charge and are
open to players born in 1996, 1997, and 1998. Players can only sign up for one of the three try outs.